Natchez is a historic city located in southwestern Mississippi, United States, situated along the eastern bank of the Mississippi River. The town was founded in 1716 by the French and served as an important centre of trade and commerce, particularly in cotton, throughout the 19th century. It was also the capital of the Mississippi Territory from 1798 until 1802.

Natchez is known for its well-preserved historic homes and architecture, particularly its antebellum mansions. One such mansion is Longwood, the largest octagonal house in America. It was designed by Samuel Sloan, a Philadelphia architect, and was built for wealthy planter Dr Haller Nutt in 1860. However, the outbreak of the Civil War halted construction, and the house was never completed.

Longwood is an example of the Oriental Revival style of architecture, with Islamic and Moorish influences. The house features a large, domed dome and an octagonal tower, as well as ornate decorative details on the exterior and interior. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a hill overlooking the Mississippi River.

Today, Longwood is owned and operated by the Pilgrimage Garden Club, and it is open to the public for tours. The mansion and gardens offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy Southern planters of the antebellum period, as well as the devastation caused by the Civil War. Visitors can see the unfinished upper floors of the mansion, which were abandoned when the war broke out, and learn about the lives of the Nutt family and their slaves. Admission fees vary depending on the type of tour, and visiting hours are generally from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.